Police warning there are counterfeit U.S. bills circulating

New Glasgow Regional Police are warning the public that there are counterfeit U.S. bills circulating in the New Glasgow area, according to reports from businesses.

The reported bills have been in $100 U.S. denominations.

Const. Ken MacDonald says U.S. currency has a number of security features like watermarks, a colour-shifting bell in the inkwell symbol, a security thread embedded vertically and, in the case of the $100, a blue ribbon woven into the paper.

“The $100 U.S. counterfeit bills appear to be very realistic and authentic,” he said. “Technology becomes increasingly sophisticated in making these bills especially harder to detect.”

People are not required to accept a bill if they suspect it is counterfeit. If someone ends up with a counterfeit bill, they can contact New Glasgow Regional Police at 902-752-1941.

To learn more about spotting counterfeit currency, visit https://www.bankofcanada/banknotes/counterfeit-prevention.

If you wish to remain to report anonymous, they can also contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or text TIP202 followed by the message to ‘crimes’ (274637), or submit tips via Secure Web at www.crimestoppers.ca.